Jeb. Ritsher et A. Lucksted, What do you call your problem? Labels for mental illness in four samples in the United States and in Russia, PSYCH REH J, 23(4), 2000, pp. 393-395
Psychiatric diagnoses can affect people with serious mental illnesses (SMI)
both kt a beneficial and harmful way Prior research has focused on patient
s' knowledge rand endorsement of formal diagnoses This study of 489 partici
pants in four diverse psychiatric populations used open-ended items to expl
ore how patients understand their SMI. Less than one third used diagnostic
terms, although most included a mental-illness-related explanation. More th
an one third expressed alternative conceptualizations, except in the sample
where traditional methodology was used. Response patterns did not vary by
diagnostic or demographic group. Eliciting consumers' multi-faceted ideas a
bout their SMI may enhance both research and clinical practice.